Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)

Metuchen Public Library and the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) have partnered to bring TBBC’s no-cost services to the Metuchen Public Library. Anyone who has difficulty reading standard print or holding a book or turning the pages of a book may be eligible. Once registered for the program with TBBC, residents will be able to select from these no-cost services, referred to as the Outspoken Library:

As part of this collaboration, the Metuchen Public Library is participating in a pilot project to assist registered TBBC members to download audiobooks and audio magazines from the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) web site. BARD is provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a division of the U.S. Library of Congress. The BARD downloading process can be complicated, so this pilot project allows libraries to provide local assistance.

Metuchen Public Library now has full access to the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service and can download books and magazines for you to use with the digital audiobook player you received from TBBC.

To receive assistance downloading from BARD, please call Metuchen Public Library or email Hsihsi Chung to make an appointment.

You, a family member, or friend will need to make an appointment with Hsihsi Chung and bring to her proof of your TBBC membership. You can either contact us at TBBC to request a library issued patron card or bring a mailing card from a digital book sent to you from TBBC. Please show your library card or mailing card and then request the books you would like from BARD. You will need to bring along a new, unused flash drive that is between 2 and 8 gigabytes in size.

“We are pleased that Metuchen Library is able to provide this cost-free and much-needed service to the community and help the people who have visual or physical limitations.” – Hsihsi Chung, Reference Librarian

This new service does not replace any services provided by TBBC. You may continue to receive your books from us through the US mail. Getting BARD downloaded books from Metuchen Public Library is just another way for you to get the audiobooks you want when you want them. For additional information, please contact Talking Book and Braille Center at (800) 792-8322.